SKIPARK Velká Chuchle opens for its fourth season on new year's eve

JWA Prague |

1 January 2015

Prague, 31.12.2014: The ski track of Prague’s skiing area, SkiPark Velká Chuchle, opens this afternoon for all those interested in cross-country skiing.

"Thanks to the favourable weather conditions, the production of the technical snow could already start on 27th December and the track is now prepared. It is for the first time in the four-year history of the project that the Park will open in December. In the previous years the skiing only started in the middle of January. I am glad that the Park can open to the public much earlier than in previous years and to be able to offer to Prague inhabitants a place for winter sports without having to travel to the mountains," said Kateřina Neumannová, the Olympic and World Champion in cross-country skiing and one of the co-organisers of the project.

She added: "The track will be only about 300 meters long at the moment. More artificial snow will be produced if the freezing temperatures continue. We certainly hope to be able to prolong the track."

The track is suitable for families with children and hobby skiers.

The rental shop, which is available on the premises, will offer more than 100 pairs of skis and 130 pairs of ski boots, and it is free of charge for seniors. The popular programmes for schools, during which pupils are introduced to cross-country skiing, will also continue.

The organisers have also prepared a number of races this season. The novelty is "Kryatlon", which takes place on 1st February. The organizers expect that due to the date and the sports disciplines involved (swimming in the Vltava river, running and skiing), the race will attract mainly those that are really frost-hardy. The popular sports event, the Prague Cup, will be held on 4th February.

The ski track has been traditionally built in the premises of the racecourse CONSEQ PARK Velká Chuchle, which offers ideal facilities for visitors including parking for up to 600 vehicles, changing area and refreshments. The Prague Magistrate and Prague 5 are large contributors to the project. The financial funds are used to ensure the production of artificial snow, operating expenses and programmes for schools, which are free of charge for pupils and their teachers.

Depending on the weather, it is hoped that the circuit will reach up to 1000 meters in length and 6 meters in width. The track will be regularly maintained for classical and skating skiing style and if there is enough natural snow, the circuit will be further extended.